William Gillett Ritch (May 4, 1830 – September 14, 1904) was an American public administrator, newspaper publisher, and Republican politician.

Before relocating to New Mexico, he previously served one year in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing Winnebago County.

[2] In early 1865, he volunteered for service in the American Civil War and was enrolled as first lieutenant and adjutant of the 46th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, under Colonel Frederick S.

Sawyer and Ritch used the newspaper to advocate for the unpopular opinion of establishing a new state hospital for the insane on land near Oshkosh.

While acting governor, he encountered some controversy over his initial refusal to pay off the bounty hunter who shot down Billy the Kid, a decision that was eventually reversed.

[8] He was buried with military honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery, in a ceremony organized by his comrades in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.